Raptors Rumors: Pascal Siakam, Magic Trade Buzz Is 'More Noise Than Substance'

While there remains plenty of trade chatter around Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, trying to find a potential landing spot for the two-time All-Star is becoming more difficult at this point in the offseason.

Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, recent buzz connecting Siakam to the Orlando Magic is considered "more noise than substance at this time."

Michael Grange of SportsNet.ca reported earlier this week Orlando was a "team that bears watching" as the Raptors continue to listen to offers for Siakam.

One league scout told Scotto they are skeptical Siakam will even be traded because the Raptors have a track record of doing this sort of thing with their players: "They dangle their guys, and then they pull them back."

Grange also cited the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers as other potential options for Siakam.

The Hawks have been active this offseason but may not be in position to make a move for the 29-year-old if the Raptors are intent on getting a deal done before the start of the season. They gave Dejounte Murray a four-year, $120 million extension earlier this month that likely takes him off the board since he can't be traded until January.

Bogdan Bogdanović's contract has a trade restriction that means he can't be traded until Sept. 16.

There's also the question of what long-term assets the Hawks have that would be enticing to Toronto. They do have two first-round draft picks in 2024, but won't have another available until 2028 stemming from the Murray trade with the San Antonio Spurs last summer.

The Pacers aren't a team that's been known to make aggressive moves. Myles Turner and Buddy Hield are still on the roster after being mentioned as potential trade candidates for most of the 2022-23 season.

Scotto also pointed out Indiana just drafted Jarace Walker and acquired Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks as forward options for next season.

The Magic are a team that could be ready to make a big move. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner certainly look like cornerstone players for the franchise. Their forward rotation around Banchero is uncertain with Jonathan Isaac and Mo Wagner vying for playing time.

Siakam's all-around game would provide a huge boost to an Orlando team that ranked 15th or worse in points per game, points allowed per game, offensive rating and defensive rating last season.

In 71 games last season, Siakam averaged a career-high 24.2 points per game on 48.0 percent shooting from the field. He's entering the final season of his current contract with a $37.9 million salary.